Fermi High In Enfield Says Goodbye To Final Graduating Class

By TAYLOR SWAAK

Jun 23, 2016 | 11:08 PM

ENFIELD — For salutatorian Rachele Lajoie, Enrico Fermi High School and its Class of 2016 share a bond worthy of poetry.

"It is so poetic that Fermi's days are coming to a close with us," said Lajoie, looking out at a sea of blue and black graduation caps. "It is symbolic of our old lives ending, and our new lives beginning."

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After 45 years of school history, 203 graduates of Fermi's final class — as well as one former student recognized in spirit — received their diplomas on the football field Thursday night as hundreds of alumni, family and friends packed the field, stands and lawn.

East Granby resident and 1984 graduate Chris Labrecque momentarily held up the processional line as she ran to her niece, swallowing her in an embrace.

"It's bittersweet," Labrecque said. "I'm kind of sad to see this school isn't going to be here anymore. It was a lot of great years."

In November 2012, by a 2-to-1 ratio, residents voted to consolidate the two high schools and spend $103 million to renovate Enfield High. The school board also voted to turn the Fermi building over to the town earlier this year, despite earnest pushback from residents.

While the Fermi community is hesitant to let go of its school, Principal Paul Newton said he is hopeful that all future students will thrive at Enfield High starting this fall.

"Many of us are sad to see the doors of Fermi closing forever," Newton said. "…That said, the new Enfield High School will be a new school for everyone. It will be a modern, state-of-the-art high school that contains what it takes to move our students into the 21st century and beyond."

Enfield High's renovations are slated for completion in December. Once work is completed, the school will house 113 classrooms — all air-conditioned —and accommodate 1,600 students.

In celebration of what's to come, this year's class gift was a $500 donation toward "beautifying" Enfield High's grounds in the hopes of creating a "small memorial garden symbolizing the schools finally combining as one," said Kimberly Testoni, class vice president.

Amid the excitement from various speakers — valedictorian Sarah O'Neil and Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Schumann also gave addresses — there was a moment of recognition for a student who never made it to the stage.

Thomas Sirard from the Board of Education presented an honorary diploma to the family of Jacob Carlander, a Fermi student who died of liver cancer at age 17 last August.

It was his dream to receive his high school diploma, his family said, noting that though he did not have enough credits to graduate, he continued with tutoring and attending classes throughout his chemotherapy.

"It means the world to us," said AnnKera Carlander, Jacob's mother. "It's a big milestone. I wish he was here to be able to do it."